No one saw Freddie Kitchens’ meteoric rise coming. The former University of Alabama quarterback began the 2018 season as the Cleveland Browns’ running backs coach, became offensive coordinator when head coach Hue Jackson was fired at midseason and helped the team finish 7-8-1. Kitchens, 44, was hired to be the team’s head coach Jan. 12.
While the pressure of coaching one of the most hyped and talented teams in the NFL is high, here are three reasons he’s the right guy for the job.
The Mayfield Factor
Don’t underestimate the bond that developed over the final eight games last season between Baker Mayfield and Kitchens. He seemed to trust the rookie more than Jackson did. “This game is about the players,” Kitchens says. “The coaches are not out there. We want to develop and keep creating an environment so we can learn these things.”
The Buck Stops with Freddie
Kitchens says what he thinks. Ask a question and you’ll get an unvarnished answer. Players always know where they stand with this head coach. “I am not trying to be friends with anybody,” Kitchens says. “I do not care if they like me. I just want to get them better because they will respect that in the long run.”
No Browns Baggage
Yes, Kitchens was part of Jackson’s staff last season. But it was his first with the Browns after one year with the Dallas Cowboys and a decade with the Arizona Cardinals. He has little frame of reference for what came before, including less inclusive attitudes that once led to families of players and coaches being barred from attending training camp workouts. “I don’t care about the coaches you have had before,” he says. “Families sacrifice a lot. Any moment we can get with them is pretty special.”
3 Reasons Freddie Kitchens Is Right For The Browns
The former college quarterback is a breath of fresh air for fans. Here's why.
